Going Green with Gardening Supplies

• Some “pests” may actually contribute to your garden’s health, including lady bugs, green lacewings, assassin bugs, praying mantis, and other friendly bugs that eat garden-killing bugs.
• Introduce plants that butterflies and bees pollenate: wild lilac, goldenrod and lemon balm.

Become a Composter

• Your kitchen scraps, including coffee grounds, vegetable waste, and even eggshells are known as “gardener’s gold.” Once they’re composted, they enrich soil, improving its texture and helping aeration.
• Learn how to compost at Composting101.com, or read this easy tip
• Let earthworms speed up Mother Nature’s composting process by introducing them to your pile.

Make Natural Animal Repellents

• Keep away rabbits with three tablespoons each of crushed cayenne pepper, Tabasco sauce, and dish soap in a gallon of water. Spray around the garden.
• Deer will stay away from this mix: two eggs mixed with a cup each of water and milk, plus a teaspoon each of crushed garlic, Tabasco and dish soap.
• Cats tend to stay away from citrus smells. Try sprinkling grated lemon and orange peel around the garden.

Go Native

• Plants that are already adapted to your climate (native and indigenous plants) have a natural resistance others don’t.
• Find them by calling your local agricultural extension office.
• They’re also less likely to need fertilizer or extra water, saving both money and the environment.

Harvest from Heaven

• Installing a rain barrel is a low-tech solution for watering your garden.
• You’ll benefit with a mineral- and chlorine-free garden and yard.
• Save water by installing a drip irrigation system.

Buy the Right Supplies

• Organic fertilizers and pest controls can be found in many health food groceries.
• Look for recycled materials, including plant containers and edging for flower and vegetable beds.
• Bamboo stakes are a friendlier way to stake trees and vines than wooden poles.